Town, County Partner To Preserve Rural Character Of East Moriches

EAST MORICHES, NY — With an eye toward maintaining the rural character of East Moriches, lawmakers have partnered to preserve an ecologically significant parcel that completes 120 acres of contiguous bay-front open space.

On Monday, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Dan Panico announced that the town had partnered with Suffolk County to preserve the heavily wooded parcel, located near Timber Point Lane and Newport Beach Boulevard.

The parcel also contain two small wetlands and is adjacent to New York-state owned lands, officials said.

The property will be managed by Brookhaven Town, officials said.

The acquisition, lawmakers said, permanently preserves 110 acres of open space in the area. Known as Pheasant Meadow complex, the parcel contains tidal wetlands, old fields, forests, a salt pond, and freshwater wetlands.

Official said the "important acquisition" helps to complete the protection of the complex and maintain the rural atmosphere of East Moriches.

The purchase price was $400,000; the town contributed 30 percent, or $120,000, officials said.

“The protection of this property has been a longstanding priority for the Town of Brookhaven," Romaine said. "We have been trying to acquire the parcel for nearly 20 years and I am very pleased we were finally able to secure its permanent protection.”

Panico agreed. “The preservation of this land is the last piece of nearly 120 acres of contiguous bayfront open space. I am committed to continuing the efforts to preserve property for the environment and future generations.”